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Recommendations

REC frequently receives questions about where to go for various products and services. This is a list of such products and services that we recommend. These recommendations are based on personal experiences or based on the comments of REC clients and others. If you have an experience with one of these recommendations, whether it was positive or negative, please let us know how it went.

NFCB

REC is very supportive of the efforts of the National Federation of Community Broadcasters. Over the past couple of years with changes in leadership and staff, NFCB has stepped-up to identify ways that their membership organization can be more accommodating to LPFM stations. Membership dues start at $500 annually but if you take into consideration the various group buys (music licensing, station insurance, etc.) that are available as well as the vast library of reference materials, especially related to fundraising and underwritng and access to a collective of seasoned veterans in non-commercial community radio, the membership fee is definitely worth it, especially if you take into consideration the risks of running underwriting messages where one word could lead to a fine. Access to the NFCB's materials can help you and your staff properly write underwriting copy that meets federal guidelines and will also make your underwriters happy. REC recommends that all LPFM stations that use the donation, pledge drive and underwriting business models of funding should seriously consider joining NFCB.

Pacifica Network

Pacifica Network is the premier source for intriguing, thought-provoking and diverse short-form and long-form programming including access to the popular program "Democracy Now" with Amy Goodman. Through Pacifica's AudioPort, affiliate stations has access to thousands of hours of programming that they can use in their broadcast day. This includes shows like "Shibuya Station" that are produced by REC. While local programming is important to your local community, your community also benefits from compelling programming that brings them an exciting worldview that the news networks are unable to deliver. REC strongly suggests a subscription to Pacifica Network.

Training (management & staff)

In addition to the benefits that a NFCB membership can provide. Donna DiBianco also known as the Community Radio Goddess has many years of experience working with full-power NCE and LPFM stations in providing guidance in station set-up and day-to-day operations from a staffing and operations standpoint. In addition, REC's Michi Bradley is also available to work with Donna to not only cover the staffing and management but also the FCC and other policy issues that can affect stations of all sizes. Both Donna and Michi charge reasonable rates plus the expensies for travel. For more information, please click on the "Contact REC" link on this website.

FCC Filing/Engineering Exhibits

While there are many out there who consult broadcast stations, there are very few who have been actively involved with LPFM since "before day one". Michelle Bradley at REC has that experience and because over 95% of REC's work is LPFM, we are the most experienced in the service and we don't charge "big broadcast" rates for non-commercial LPFM stations. The next time you need to make a move, come to REC for immediate attention. 1-844-REC-LPFM

Equipment

REC recommends the following products for LPFM stations:

Transmitter:BW Broadcast TX300 V2(This is an LPFM certified transmitter with a built-in stereo generator and audio processor. Operation at 300 watts will permit stations to operate with a single bay and still be able to achieve a full 100 watts ERP.)

Antennas:Nicom BKG-77(You really can't go wrong with the Nicom BKG-77 which is the most popular antenna used by LPFM stations. REC always recommends the use of circular polarization so you can reach as many listeners within your 3-mile zone as possible. Sure, there are less expensive vertical antennas out there but not everyone's receiver has a vertically polarized antenna. The antenna is the most important part of your station so why skimp there? For best results, use the BKG-77 in a two-bay configuration, not only will it help you get more "outward" at 100 watts, it will let you be ready in the event the FCC ever approves LP-250. An LPFM station authorized for 100 watts and using the BW TX300 V2 transmitter and a two bay Nicom BKG-77 will usually only need to "turn up the power" if the FCC was to ever authorize LP-250.)

For purchasing transmitters, antennas and other station gear, REC recommends using SCMS. SCMS has been a long supporter of LPFM and events such as the annual Grassroots Radio Conference. SCMS can get you what you need individually or perhaps also as a package deal. SCMS carries the individual products that are recommended by REC.

REC is interested in hearing about your experiences with various types of equipment at your station. These comments and testimonials can drive our future recommedations. Please use the "Contact REC" link and have your say!

Automation/Playback

REC's J1 Radio has been successfully using the Rivendell open-source radio automation system for the past year. Because it is open-source, it is free to obtain and install. The installation can be a bit intimidating, especially if you are not very familiar with Linux. But once it is up and running, it is rock solid. Rivendell includes the ability to download programming from other sources and add it to the schedule as well as schedule music on its own or through a third-party scheduler. Rivendell does have the capability to report current track being played to your Shoutcast or to music reporting services like Spinitron.

If you prefer a Windows-based solution, we would recommend using Station Playlist.

Attorneys

While REC does file informal objections against certain broadcast applications, those objections are done as a part of REC's advocacy efforts and not on behalf of a paying client. LPFM stations needing assistance in filing or responding to any legal actions such as an informal objection, petition to deny, petition for reconsideration or application for review should contact one of the qualified attorneys on this list. While REC will not draft or file a pleading, we will work with the attorney of your choice to prepare any technical exhibits necessary (a modest fee to REC may apply depending on the attorney). With that, REC recommends the following counsel (the list is in alphabetical order by last name):

REC has interacted in the past with all of these attorneys and we feel that they are supportive of LPFM as a community broadcast service. When contacting an attorney on this list, please let them know that REC referred you. We would appreciate it!